Rough Stock Events – Bareback, Saddle Bronc and Bull Riding
A year ago, bareback rider Clay Jorgensen had the biggest win of his career in Frontier Park. He rode Summit Rodeo’s horse Game Trail for 90 points to win the championship at the “Daddy of ‘em All.” Jorgensen earned $11,729 here and finished the season in 24th place, the highest of his career, which began in the PRCA in 2020.
The win here competing against the best in the business gave him both confidence and momentum. Clay is currently ranked 14th in the world standings, and if he is inside the top 15 at the end of September, he’ll be headed to his first Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR). Another big win here would certainly help him accomplish that.
There are seven spots in the Semi Finals left for this group of bull riders after five were successful on Saturday. Stetson Wright was so close, bucking off less than one-quarter second short of the required eight. Look for him to make up ground today. He is also competing in saddle bronc riding. Stetson is second in the world standings in bull riding and just outside the top 15 in saddle bronc. He has an opportunity to change that today and be back in Las Vegas at the NFR competing in two events and looking for his sixth all-around world championship.
En route to those titles, he has earned seven titles at Frontier Park. Two in each of his disciplines and three times as the all-around. He will join his older brother Ryder Wright today in the saddle bronc riding. Ryder is a reigning and four-time world champion. He’s watched his brother make the victory lap around this arena, but never had the opportunity to do it himself. He is hoping to change that this year and increase his lead in the world standings.
Along with cheering for Wyoming’s Brody Cress yesterday, fans made the most noise for bull rider Ernie Courson Jr., who won the day with an 88-point ride. After a successful ride, Ernie’s signature celebration includes a back flip off of the fence. Fans were waiting for that yesterday, and with any luck, will get to see it again today. Courson is matched up against Night Prowler, a young bull from Stace Smith Pro Rodeo that has yet to be ridden. Courson’s got momentum on his side, and we hope he gets to do another back flip today.
Timed Events – Steer Wrestling, Team, Tie-Down, Breakaway Roping and Barrel Racing
Shy-Ann Jarrett has been a support system for her husband Ryan Jarrett, the 2005 world champion all-around cowboy, for years. She has also competed but often stayed close to home to take care of animals and their daughter. This year she is venturing out a little more and has entered the breakaway roping and barrel racing when she can. One of those rodeos is right here.
Shy-Ann will compete in the breakaway roping today and is hoping to accomplish something that her husband never has – win a championship at Frontier Park. She nearly qualified for the Quarter Finals in the barrel racing as well, but a five-second penalty for a downed barrel cost her. If that wouldn’t have occurred, she would be in the Quarter Finals in both events and would be eligible for the all-around title.
Another all-around cowgirl from Wyoming is also in today’s breakaway roping. Willow Wilson from Baggs competed in the team roping with her husband TW. She had enough success in the Qualifier to make it back for today’s breakaway roping but won’t be after an all-around championship this year.
In June, Rylee George tied for the championship at the College National Finals Rodeo in Casper, and now she wants to add another Wyoming title to her resume. Rylee is attending East Texas A&M University located at Commerce. She is a graduate student working towards her master’s degree in ag science. She qualified for the National Finals Breakaway Roping last year and is hoping to return to Las Vegas this December. A win here would certainly help. She is currently 14th in the world standings.
Joseph Harrison won this rodeo in the team roping in 2018 heeling for Chad Masters. This year he won the qualifier here with Bubba Buckaloo with a time of 5.6 seconds. That has added nearly $5,000 to their checking accounts already. Joseph spends most of his time training rope horses and competing with them at futurities. He is currently 38th in the world standings, so if he does well here, he might consider going to more rodeos hoping to qualify for his seventh NFR.
Shali Lord has always loved this rodeo. The Colorado ranch wife is used to wide-open spaces, and the barrel racing here is full of those in comparison with many other rodeo arenas. Lord tied for the title here in 2019 with world champion Nellie Miller. Winning is always a highlight, and Shali would love to add her name to the record books again.
Steer wrestling today is going to showcase the legacy that the Duvall family has in this arena as well as rodeo across the nation. Riley Duvall is the latest generation to make his mark. His great-uncle Roy Duvall won this rodeo in 1967. Roy’s brother Bill was Riley’s grandfather and probably hazed as many steers in Frontier Park as any other human. Bill hazed for Roy when Roy won here and in later years hazed for Riley’s father, Sam. Sadly, Bill passed away recently, and Riley is making his way to Cheyenne from his grandfather’s funeral.
Doing well here would not only help Riley, who is 15th in the world standings, it would also be a great tribute to a man who exemplified all that is good in our world.
CHEYENNE, Wyo. (June 19, 2025) — The first rodeo performance of Cheyenne Frontier Days was action-packed and full of thrills as the Quarter Final action began.
One of the biggest moments of the afternoon came when local favorite Brody Cress from Hillsdale, Wyo., rode in the saddle bronc riding. Cress, who attended high school in Cheyenne, won the championship here three consecutive years starting in 2017. Only Earl Thode, who competed here in the 1920s and 1930s, has won the bronc riding title at the “Daddy of ‘em All” four times, and Cress would love to match that feat.
Cress, who is currently ranked eighth in the world championship standings, scored 88 points to win the saddle bronc riding on Saturday and qualified for the Semi Finals, which are held Friday and Saturday, July 26 and 27. A solid ride then would send him to Championship Sunday and a possible fourth championship.
Another highlight came when Cheyenne Rumble and his rider Bristan McCarley of Happy, Texas, started the barrel racing with a time of 17.00 seconds. McCarley calls her palomino Louie and the duo finished 46th among the more than 200 competitors in the qualifying round on Wednesday with a time of 17.98. They improved their time by almost a full second (an eternity in barrel racing where hundredths of a second decide winners) and posted the fastest time of the rodeo so far.
The closest any of the other 11 cowgirls could get to McCarley’s time was a 17.01 by four-time world champion Hailey Kinsel. McCarley earned $2,487 for her Quarter Final win, which doubled her 2025 season earnings in the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association, and she and the horse she calls Louie advanced to the Semi Finals.
Jayco Roper experienced the full range of the downs and ups of rodeo Saturday. The former National Finals Rodeo (NFR) bareback rider from Oktaha, Oklahoma, was part of a highly anticipated match-up with Sankey Pro Rodeo & Phenom Genetics’ horse Sozo. Roper started a great ride, but was thought to have disqualified himself before the full eight seconds elapsed.
When a correction was announced a few minutes later, the disappointment of not capitalizing on a match-up with a six-time NFR bucking horse turned to the thrill of learning he had actually scored 88 points to win the Quarter Finals and advance to next week’s Semi Finals.
Roper, a third-generation rodeo competitor, is ranked 13th in the standings and continued success in Cheyenne could help him return to Las Vegas for his second NFR.
Quarter Finals 2 begins on Sunday at 12:45 p.m. where new contestants in every event but bull riding will be vying for their spots in the Semi Finals. The ladies ranch bronc riding will again be a special attraction.
UNOFFICIAL RESULTS
CHEYENNE, Wyo. (July 19, 2025) – The following are unofficial results from the Quarter Finals (first performance) at the Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo on Saturday, July 19. Payoff subject to change.
Bareback Riding: 1, Jayco Roper, Oktaha, Okla., 88 points on Sankey Pro Rodeo & Phenom Genetics’ Sozo, $2,722. 2, Dean Thompson, Altamont, Utah, 87.5, $2,042. 3, Rocker Steiner, Weatherford, Texas, 85.5, $1,361, 4, Jacob Lees, Caldwell, Idaho, 84.5, $681.
Breakaway Roping: 1, Rylie Smith, Whitsett, Texas, 4.4 seconds, $3,157. 2, Kelsie Domer, Dublin, Texas, 4.6, $2,367. 3, Taylor Munsell, Alva, Okla., 4.7, $1,578. 4, Maddy Dearman, Hope, N.M., 4.9, $789.
Tie Down Roping: 1, John Douch, Huntsville, Texas, 12.6 seconds, $2,000. 2, Pecos Tatum, La Plata, N.M., 14.4, $1,500. 3, (tie) Cory Solomon, Prairie View, Texas, and Riley Webb, Denton, Texas, 14.7, $750 each.
Saddle Bronc Riding: 1, Brody Cress, Hillsdale, Colo., 85 points on United Pro Rodeo’s High Flyer, $2,64.3. 2, Waitley Sharon, Ordway, Colo. 82.5, $1,982. 3, Ian McGivney, Kaycee, Wyo., 80, $1,321. 4, Jake Barnes, Stephenville, Texas, 77, $661.
Team Roping: 1, Wyatt Murray, Neola, Utah and Rhett Nebeker, Roosevelt, Utah, 9.0 seconds, $2,000 each. 2, Billy Bob Brown, Carbon, Texas, and Blaine Vick, Breckenridge, Texas, 10.6, $1,500 each. 3, Kolby Krieger, Fredericktown, Mo., and Michael Fortenberry, Beaumont, Texas, 10.7, $1,000 each. 4, Gunner Plenty, Garryowen, Mont., and Mason Trollinger, Lodge Grass, Wyo., 11.9, $500 each.
Steer Wrestling: 1, Trisyn Kalawaia, Hilo, Hawaii, 7.0 seconds, $2,000. 2, Joe Nelson, Watford, N.D., 7.5, $1,500. 3, Rowdy Parrott, Mamou, La., 8.3, $1,000. 4, Jacob Elder, Alva, Okla., 8.5, $500.
Barrel Racing: 1, Bristan McCarley, Happy, Texas, 17.00 seconds, $2,487. 2, Hailey Kinsel, Cotulla, Texas, 17.01, $1,865. 3, Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi, Lampasas, Texas, 17.53, $1,244. 4, Ashley Day, Volberg, Mont., 17.56, $622.
Bull Riding: 1, Mason Spain, Forney, Texas, 84.5 points on Stace Smith Pro Rodeo Co.’s Home Boy, $2,662. 2, Ernie Courson, Okeechobee, Fla., 83, $1,997. 3, Gavin Mitchell, Graford, Texas, 81.5, $1,331. 4, Cutter Kaylor, Jasper, Texas, 77, $666.
Rookie Saddle Bronc Riding (first round leaders): 1, Logan Nunn, Lovell, Wyo., 79.5 points on Stace Smith Pro Rodeo’s 419. 2, Josue Molina, Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico, 79. 3, Regan Lyons, Snyder, Texas, 77.5. 4, Tag Moses, Keenesburg, Colo., 77.
Wild Horse Race: 1, Team Allen, $600. 2, Kicked in the Belly, $450. 3, Wild & Vintage, $300. 4, Team Skomkic, $150
Three-time Cheyenne Frontier Days saddle bronc riding champion, Brody Cress, from Hillsdale, Wyo., is looking for number four. He had the high-marked ride in Quarter Finals 1 and will be riding in the Semi Finals. Cress rode United Pro Rodeo’s horse named High Flyer for 85 points. CFD photo by Tanya Hamner.
The opportunity to compete in front of the electric crowd at Cheyenne Frontier Days became very real for 72 of the best from the team roping, tie-down roping, steer wrestling and women’s breakaway roping and barrel racing.
Rodeo athletes from the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and Women’s Professional Rodeo Association competed for that chance ahead of the first rodeo performance, which starts Saturday, July 19. Not only did this preliminary competition determine who will be in the first six performances, it also gave them a chance to add to their checking accounts.
Over $250,000 was paid across the disciplines with the big money winner here so far coming in the barrel race. Four-time world champion Hailey Kinsel had the fast time in that event stopping the clock in 17.18 seconds. Kinsel was riding her great mare, DM Sissy Hayday “Sister.”
Not only did the 2021 Cheyenne Frontier Days champion earn $7,834 here already, she will compete during a performance and if she finishes among the top four in that performance she will advance to the semi-finals. The ultimate goal is to be here Sunday, July 27 and compete for the legendary Cheyenne Frontier Days Championship.
Kinsel was crowned the champion at Wyoming’s Cody Stampede over the Fourth-of-July. Then she finished in the top five at Sheridan’s WYO Rodeo. It looks like Wyoming in July is a very good place for Kinsel and Sister to be competing.
Riley Pruitt is in contention for his first tie-down roping title here thanks to a 9.6-second run here in the qualifier. Pruitt, from Gering, Nebraska, has momentum on his side as well. He won the NFR Open at the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo in Colorado Springs last week.
The two-time Wrangler National Finals Rodeo competitor earned $5,351 for his first-place finish here. He is looking good for another trip to Las Vegas to compete for rodeo’s championships in December. He is currently eighth in the world standings and stands to move up with his success here.
The first rodeo performance kicks off at 12:45 on Saturday, July 19. Along with all of the timed events, bareback, saddle bronc and bull riding will be featured. The ladies ranch bronc riding is a special attraction.
The following are qualifying results from Cheyenne Frontier Days in the timed events.
Team Roping: Money is per man. (first round) 1, Bubba Buckaloo, Kingston, Okla., and Joseph Harrison, Marietta, Okla., 6.6 seconds, $4,943. 2, Tyler Wade, Terrell, Texas, and Wesley Thorp, Stephenville, Texas, 7.3, $4,361.85. 3, Kyle Polich, Cortez, Colo., and T.J.. Watts, Eads, Colo., 7.4, $3,780. 4, Brye Crites, Welch, Okla., and Tyler Worley, Berryville, Ark., 8.0, $3,199. 5, Jr. Dees, Orange, Texas, and Coleby Payne, Stephenville, Texas, 8.1, $2,617. 6, Clint Summers, Lake City, Fla., and Jade Corkill, Victoria, Texas, 8.2, $2,326. 7, Riley Kittle, Stephenville, Texas, and Landen Glenn, McAlester, Okla., 8.3, $2,036. 8, Kolby Krieger, Fredricktown, Mo., and Michael Fortenberry, Beaumont, Texas, 8.4, $1,745. 9, Jett Hillman, Perry, Okla., and Jason Handy, Recluse, Wyo., 8.5, $1,454. 10, (tie) Jason Handy, Recluse, Wyo., and Cole Cooper, Montrose, Colo.; and Corben Culley, Lawton, Iowa, and Trent Vaught, Mena, Ark., 8.6 and $1,018 each. 12, Devon Johnson, Red Oak, Texas, and Zane Pratt, Congress, Ariz., 8.7, $582.
(Wild Card) 1, (tie) Jack Fischer, Ellensburg, Wash., and Andy Carlson, Hermiston, Ore.; and James Arviso, Winslow, Ariz., and Logan Moore, Dublin, Texas, 7.1 and $3,102 each. 3, Howard Hutchings, Springville, Utah, and Scott Lauaki, Springville, Utah, 7.2, $2,520. 4, (tie) Peyton Holliday, Chouteau, Okla., and Whip Peterson, San Simon, Ariz., and Wyatt and Paden Bray, Stephenville, Texas; 7.6, $1,939. 6, Chet Weitz, London, Texas, and Jeryn Ellerd, Levelland, Texas, 7.7, $1,551. 7, Brayden Schmidt, Benton City, Wash., and Jaydon Warner, Tropic, Utah, 7.8, $1,357. 8, (tie) Blair Lammers, Hartford, S.D., and Tel Sorenson, Watford City, N.D.; and David Temple, New Plymouth, Idaho, and Dillon Baherm, Parma, Idaho, 8.1, $1,066 each. 10, (tie) Wyatt Murray, Neola, Utah and Rhett Nebeker, Roosevelt, Utah; and Chad Masters, Cedar Hill, Tenn., and Cory Petska, Marana, Ariz.; 8.4, $679. 12, Smith Walker, Bedias, Texas, and Will Smith, Bedias, Texas, 8.5, $388.
Tie-Down Roping: (first round) Riley Pruitt, Gering, Neb., 9.6 seconds, $5,351. 2, Jake Pratt, Ellensburg, Wash., 10.2, $4,721. 3, (tie) Dylan Hancock, San Angelo, Texas; Chase Webster, Kamas, Utah; Marcos Costa, Iretama, Brazil, 10.5, and $3,462 each. 5, Tom Crouse, Gallatin, Mo., 10.7. 6, Cole Eiguren, Fruitland, Idaho, 11.1, $2,203. 8, (tie) Landyn Duncan, Weatherford, Texas, and Marty Yates, Stephenville, Texas, 11.2, $1,731. 10, (tie) Cole Clemons, Okeechobee, Fla.; Bryce Derrer, Portales, N.M.; and Adam Shuckburgh, Innisfairl, Alberta; 11.3, $944.
(Wild Card) 1, Blane Cox, Stephenville, Texas, 10.1, $3,567. 2, Tyler Boxleitner, Loveland, Colo., 10.4, $3,148. 3, Brey yore, Rupert, Idaho, 10.5, $2,728. 4, Roan Hudson, Carbon, Texas, 10.9, $2,308. 5, (tie) Denton Oestmann, Auburn, Neb., and Ryan Wilhite, Clovis, N.M., 11.0, $1,784. 7, Joel Harris, San Angelo, Texas, 11.2, $1,459. 8, Kyle Lucas, Carstairs, Alberta, 11.5, $1,259. 9, Richarrd Newton, May, Texasa, 11.6, $1,049. 10, (tie) Cody Stewart, Janesville, Calif., and Jim Mike Hutto, North Zulch, Texas, 11.9, $734. 12, (tie) Owen Wahlert, Grover, Colo.; Garrett Busby, Steamboat Springs, Colo.; and Andrew Burks, Kiln, Miss.; 12.0, $140.
Steer Wrestling: (first round) 1, Joe Nelson, Watford City, N.D., 6.1, $4,933. 2, Eli Lord, Sturgis, S.D., 6.5, $4,290. 3, Tyke Kipp, Lordsburg, N.M., 6.6, $3,646. 4, Colt Honey, La Junta, Colo., 6.7, $3,003. 5, Landon Sivertsen, Ree Heights, S.D., 6.8, $2,359. 6, Riley Barber, Blackfoot, Idaho, 6.9, $1,716. 7, Rowdy Parrott, Mamou, La., 7.0, $1,072. 8, Tucker Allen, Ventura, Calif., 7.2, $429.
(Wild Card) 1, (tie)Dalton Walker, Clyde, Texas, and Cody Devers, Perryton, Texas, 5.8 and $3,623 each. 3, Jake Holmes, Mulberry, Kan.., 6.1, $2,865. 4, Riley Westhaver, High River, Alberta, 6.6, $2,359. 5, Jacob Edler, Alva, Okla., 6.7, $1,854. 6, (tie) Talon Sterkel, Brighton, Colo., and Logan Kenline, Penrose, Colo., 6.8, $1,095. 8, Avery Jamerman, Lagrange, Wyo., 7.4, $337.
Breakaway Roping: (first round – section one) 1, (tie) Katie Jolly, Deer Trail, Colo., and Haiden Thompson, Yoder, Wyo., 4.2 seconds and $4,142 each. 3, Danielle Lowman, Gilberta, Ariz., 4.3, $2,571. 4, Bradi Good, Abilene, Texas, 4.6, $1,714. 5, Josie Conner, Iowa, La., 4.8, $1,000. 6, (tie) Jonee Crozier, Buffalo, Wyo., and Shawnee Sherwood, Coolidge, Ariz., 4.9 and $357.
(first round – section 2) 1, Hannah Giger, Wilburton, Okla., 3.5, $4,713. 2, Charity Hoar, Pine Bluffs, Wyo., 4.1, 43,571. 3, Braylee Shepherd, Fitzhugh, Okla., 4.4, $2,571. 4, Nicole Hadley, Goodland, Kan., 4.7, $1,714. 5, (tie) Rickie Fanning, Martin, S.D.; Jessica Holmes, Buffalo, S.D.; Rylie Smith, Whitsett, Texas; and Rylee George, Oakdale, Calif., 4.9, $429.
(Wild Card) 1, Tia Wallace, Spencer, Okla., 3.2 seconds, $990. 2, Mattie Turner, Canby, Ore., 3.9, $750. 3, Shy-Anne Jarrett, Comanche, Okla., 4.1, $540. 4, Madalyn Richards, Hereford, Texas, 4.3, $360. 5, (tie) Josey Murphy, Keachi, La., and Emilee Charlesworth, Marathon, Texas, 4.4
Barrel Racing: (only one round) 1, Hailey Kinsel, Cotulla, Texas, 17.18 seconds, $7,834. 2, Anita Ellis, Blackfoot, Idaho, 17.26, $6,715. 3, Wenda Johnson, Pawhuska, Okla., 17.27, $5,596. 4, Lisa Lockhart, Oelrichs, S.D., 17.37, $4,850. 5, Katelyn Scott, Odessa, Texas, 17.38, $3,731. 6, Kassie Mowry, Dublin, Texas, 17.46, $2,984. 7, Brittany Pozzi-Tonozzi, Lampasas, Texas, 17.50, $2,238. 8, Michelle Alley, Madisonville, Texas, 17.57, $1,492. 9, Tyra Kane, Weatherford, Texas, 17.60, $1,119. 10, Halyn Lide, China Spring, Texas, 17.65, $746.
Hailey Kinsell from Cotulla, Texas had the fastest time in the qualifying round of barrel racing at Cheyenne Frontier Days. Riding DM Sissy Hayday “Sister,” she stopped the clock in 17.18 seconds to earn $7,834. She will compete again in the Quarter Finals and is hoping to win her second title at the “Daddy of ‘em All.” Photo by Kirk Miller CFD Volunteer.
Episode #9:
This year, we’ll make Cheyenne Frontier Days history as we welcome country music artist Ian Munsick to the Frontier Nights stage—marking the first time one of Wyoming’s own will headline a night show at The Daddy of ‘em All!
As Ian famously shared on stage during his sold-out show at Red Rocks, “My [second] goal is to headline Cheyenne Frontier Days. Ball is in your court, Cheyenne Frontier Days; 2025, what do you say?”
The rest, as they say, is history… or will be, here in a few weeks.
Former Miss Frontier Tara Vreeland brings Ian back to that moment for the story behind that now-infamous statement, plus finds out:
How Ian’s Wyoming roots have shaped his path as an artist and the music he’s created
What the crowd can expect when Ian takes the stage—and what surprises might be in store
How Ian hopes fans feel coming away from his shows
Brand-new and longtime fans alike can brush up on Ian’s extensive music catalog right here, and catch him live in Cheyenne, Wyoming, as he kicks off the 129th Cheyenne Frontier Days celebration on Friday, July 18! Tickets available now at https://cfdrodeo.com/.
Stream The Official Podcast of Cheyenne Frontier Days any time, anywhere, on: SPOTIFY | APPLE
Cheyenne Frontier Days (CFD), in partnership with creative agency West Edge, announces the launch of the Official VR App of Cheyenne Frontier Days, an immersive virtual reality journey that brings the spirit of the World’s Largest Outdoor Rodeo and Western Celebration into homes and classrooms around the globe.
As part of the Celebration’s “Trail Guide to the Future,” the interactive Official VR App invites users to explore Frontier Park, learn the history of CFD and witness the excitement of the rodeo all from their Meta Quest headset.
“This technology meets people where they are and expands the way we connect with new generations of rodeo fans,” said Tom Hirsig, CEO of Cheyenne Frontier Days. “It’s fun. It’s free, and it’s the perfect blend of old west meets new west. A modern tribute to our historic roots.”
Available now via the Meta Horizons Store, the Official VR App of Cheyenne Frontier Days offers 360-degree interactive video and storytelling moments which highlight the rodeo, parades, Native American Indian Village and behind-the-scenes areas typically not seen by the public. Users without a headset can also explore 360° experiences online at tour.cfdrodeo.com.
“The VR project with CFD is about accessibility and imagination,” said Jesse Sevier, Managing Director at West Edge. “For those who can’t make it to Cheyenne, we’re bringing the magic to them—with the same heart and grit that make the live experience so unforgettable.”
While VR users can experience the annual event all year long, this year’s Cheyenne Frontier Days celebration runs July 18-27, 2025, and will feature nine days of PRCA professional rodeo, concluding with Championship Sunday as well as hundreds of vendors, a full carnival, artists, food, and music celebrating the history and culture of the American West.
And that, folks, is the thrill of bull riding.
Episode #8:
Not so long ago, the gentlemen you’ll meet today were your average trio of Wyoming-grown buddies, catching up and crossing paths in various rodeo circles.
Today, one is the CEO of Cheyenne Frontier Days (Tom Hirsig); another’s been the Cheyenne Frontier Days arena medic for going on 38 years (Dr. Skip Ross); and the third is a former National Finals Rodeo (NFR) bull rider (Dennis Humphrey).
Through it all, they’ve held strong to their friendship, including their shared ties to rodeo.
Today, you’ll get to listen in as they recount some of their favorite stories. Find out:
Stream The Official Podcast of Cheyenne Frontier Days any time, anywhere, on: SPOTIFY | APPLE
Cheyenne Frontier Days (CFD), the World’s Largest Outdoor Rodeo and Western Celebration, announces the United States Air Force Thunderbirds will return to the 129th annual “Daddy of ’em All” for a special weekend performance on Saturday, July 26.
Traditionally held midweek, the aerial demonstration team will headline the Wings Over Wyoming Airshow from 11 a.m. to noon during this year’s Saturday showcase. The team’s elite pilots perform aerial maneuvers with just inches between wingtips, demonstrating the capabilities of the U.S. Air Force, which made their first public appearance at CFD in 1953.
By moving the show to Saturday, the Thunderbirds are hoping a larger crowd will be able to attend, as well as increase opportunities for the Thunderbirds to interact with CFD customers both on the park and at our downtown events.
Held at F.E. Warren Air Force Base, directly adjacent to Frontier Park, this free public event offers rodeo-goers and aviation fans the chance to witness the aerial showcase. The one-hour airshow will also feature a lineup of aircraft and skydivers, and attendees will be treated to food trucks, inflatable games, and static displays of Blackhawk and Huey helicopters.
“The Thunderbirds are a cherished part of the Cheyenne Frontier Days tradition,” said Colonel Jonathan Esses. “We’re thrilled to bring this incredible experience to fans on a Saturday – making it even more accessible to more visitors attending CFD events.”
The show is drive-in style, with all public access through Roundtop Road. Valid photo ID is required, and vehicles are subject to security checks. Distinguished Visitors with a valid pass may use Gate 5 on Central Avenue for designated DV parking.
One of Cheyenne Frontier Days’ most enduring connections is our partnership with the military,
a relationship woven into the fabric of our celebration since the very first parade.
Around here, tradition runs deep; the stories—and, sometimes, the horses—run wild; and community runs strong above all.
One of the most enduring connections is our partnership with the military, a relationship woven into the fabric of our celebration since the very first parade.
Today, your host Tara Vreeland—former Miss Frontier and current CFD marketing team member—welcomes two distinguished former military chairmen, Tucker Fagan and Hans Ritschard, for a heartwarming and humorous conversation about the enduring connection between F.E. Warren Air Force Base and Cheyenne Frontier Days.
Find out:
Why you’ll always see a tank in the arena on Military Monday—and the story behind how the tradition got started
How CFD changes the lives of young airmen stationed in Cheyenne
The legacy behind Tucker’s beloved 1996 CFD jacket
Stream The Official Podcast of Cheyenne Frontier Days any time, anywhere, on: SPOTIFY | APPLE
Cheyenne Frontier Days is thrilled to announce its final addition to the 2025 lineup: Jordan Davis with special guest Brett Young on Saturday, July 19! Jordan Davis, known for hits like Next Thing You Know and Buy Dirt and Brett Young, celebrated for his soulful voice and chart-topping songs, will deliver a performance that will leave audiences eager for more. Tickets for this highly anticipated concert will be available April 15 at 9 a.m. The full 2025 Frontier Nights line up now includes:
July 18: Ian Munsick with Travis Tritt
July 19: Jordan Davis with Brett Young
July 20: Bailey Zimmerman with Josh Ross
July 21-22: PRCA Xtreme Bulls
July 23: Brooks & Dunn with Chancey Williams
July 24: Luke Bryan with Priscilla Block
July 25: Cody Johnson with Randy Houser
July 26: Megan Moroney with TBD
July 19-27: PRCA Rodeo
Prices range from $39.50 – $134, rooftop starts at $200, and Tunes on the Terrace range from $225 – $275. Xtreme Bulls tickets range from $25 – $95. A $5 discount is offered on concert tickets purchased before July 1. Fans can upgrade to a Frontier Nights® Fast Pass for early admission to the Party Zone.
Rodeo, Carnival Armbands, and Gift Cards on sale December 5
Cheyenne Frontier Days ™ (CFD) will start sales for the 2025 event on sale December 5. Tickets for the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) Rodeo, Carnival Armbands and Gift Cards (redeemable for tickets or merchandise) will go on sale.
Tickets go on sale December 5 at 9 a.m. MST at www.cfdrodeo.com, and by calling (307) 778-7222.
The 129th annual “Daddy of ‘em All ® ” will feature nine days of fast-paced rodeo featuring PRCA and WPRA competitors with winners every day. Those who move ahead in this tournament-style format will compete on Championship Sunday where champions are crowned, and buckles are awarded.
There will be hundreds of vendors, a full carnival, artists, food, and music celebrating the history and culture of the American West.
Daily rodeo tickets range from $24 – $52, with VIP at an additional cost. A $3 discount is offered on rodeo tickets purchased before July 1. Carnival Armbands will be $40 per session or $155 for all 10 days.
Cheyenne Frontier Days partners with AXS, a global leader in ticketing for the entertainment world. Event attendees will use AXS Mobile ID technology through the AXS App which provides contactless, secure, and personalized fan experiences. Attendees will need to download the AXS App to access digital ticket purchases for 2025.
The concert artist announcements are coming in March 2025. For the full range of pricing and more event information, please visit www.cfdrodeo.com.